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Pope Airman fights for Air Force boxing team

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jon LaDue
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The mascot of Pope's 43rd Logistics Readiness Squadron is the COBRA. Each letter stands for something defining how the Airmen strive to complete the mission. For one 43rd LRS Airman the letter 'B' rings true, not only with his work, but his new hobby as well. 

Bold.

Stepping outside of your comfort zone, learning something new, and showing determination despite unknown results can be used to describe the word bold. And bold can be used to describe Airman 1st Class David Russell, 43rd LRS, and his pursuit toward his new hobby in boxing.

Airman Russell grew up watching the sport of boxing. It wasn't until arriving at Pope that he ever really considered trying it.

"I always liked boxing as a sport, so, I figured I'd give it a shot," said Airman Russell. 

His supervisor, Staff Sgt. Dennis Obregon, 43rd LRS, said once finished with his upgrade training, Airman Russell immediately started training. His co-workers wanted to help him get started, but they simply couldn't.

"We can't work out with him," said Sergeant Obregon, "he's too hardcore."
Airman Russell soon found his way to the ABC Boxing Academy in downtown Fayetteville, N.C., where he began working with his new coach, Khalil Shakeel. Coach Shakeel boxed for the Army at Fort Bragg from 1990 to 1994 and was named to the All-Army Team in 1991 and 1992.

"After the first few months, I saw the determination he had to be successful," said Coach Shakeel, "He has inner drive. He wants to win and he has a passion for what he's doing.
Airman Russell began boxing in novice matches around the region. He won seven of his first eight matches including a victory at the North Carolina Golden Glove Boxing Tournament in Charlotte. To top off his year, he was voted North Carolina's Novice Boxer of the Year for 2007 by the USA Boxing Association.

"That was my goal for him and it made me feel great," said Coach Shakeel, "What he has accomplished in such a short amount of time is great."

After the fast start, Coach Shakeel thought Airman Russell was ready to compete at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, for the Air Force team box-off.

He attended a two-week camp at Lackland and won consecutive matches against other Airmen. One of his victories came in the 141-pound weight class against last year's champion.

After the two-week camp and box-offs, Tech. Sgt. Edward Rivas, Air Force Boxing Team coach, decided Airman Russell had the skills and professionalism to represent the AFBT at 141 pounds.

"Even though he hasn't been boxing too long, he has a good boxing mind and he understands what we're trying to do," said Sergeant Rivas. "With his dedication and hard work, it made my decision very easy."

Airman Russell debuted for the Air Force team at the Armed Services Boxing Tournament, Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 4 through 8.

He won his first match, making it to the finals, but lost to a more experienced, stronger opponent, said Sergeant Rivas.

"With the amount of time he's been boxing and being his first year, he was not overwhelmed," Sergeant Rivas said.

Airman Russell's next tournament is the San Antonio Golden Gloves tournament Tuesday. They are also scheduled for the U.S. National Boxing Association tournament March 8 through 17 in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Airman Russell has spent 18 months getting to this point and he is looking forward to the future. Much like the way he addresses his job and his new hobby, Airman Russell is not afraid to give a "bold" statement.

"It's been a lot of hard training. When I came in, I had absolutely no experience," Airman Russell said, "I want to take it as far as I can ... to win nationals and hopefully, one day, make it to the Olympics."